As homes go up near Mundy Mill, the need for a nearby school increases. Gainesville City Schools plan to open an elementary school in the area in 2017, and officials say they hope E-SPLOST funds will be approved by voters this fall for that purpose.

Local Republicans and Gainesville City Council members pushed back at a public meeting Tuesday against calls to change the city's voting process, highlighting what has become a contentious campaign issue ahead of elections this fall.